Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Bible Society Meeting at Friends’ School, Sibford Ferris. Mr Kempson, Rector of Claverdon, came as Deputation accompanied by his wife and Rev Thomas Smith. Mrs Stevens and myself went down with them to tea with Mr Routh Senior and took supper with them after the meeting. I paid £1 to Mr Routh being my subscription for two years.

Received letter from Alice Holtom. Wrote in consequence to the Vicar of Spelsbury near Church Enstone and asked him to see her.

Baptized privately Thomas William, son of William and Maria Holland.

Ann Lines, widow of Sibford Ferris called and asked me for an Infirmary  Letter for her daughter Rhoda who has something the matter with one of her eyes.

Taught in Boys’ Sunday School this morning and attended Choir practice this evening.

Visited Mrs Mawle.

Mrs Stevens, Annie Martin and Mr Kirkland walked to service at Winderton Church this evening.

Baptized children of Charles Legge and Thomas Coleman.

Mrs Stevens assisted at Penny Bank.

Visited Job Harris, Buckingham, Dr Routh, Mrs Woolgrove.

Drove to Hook Norton. Bought 8 fruit trees for garden and orchard.

Mrs Charles Lines of Burdrop called and asked me to ascertain from the War Office whether her husband’s brother Sergeant John Lines was slain by the Zulus at Isandlwana in January last. The last letter from him contained his address as follows: Sergeant John Lines, 2227 A Company, 2/24 Regiment, Petermaritzburg, Natal. I accordingly wrote to the Secretary for War and made enquiry respecting him.

Received circular letter from Ecclesiastical Commissioners to the effect that they could not make me any grant towards new vicarage.

Received report from Surveyor respecting Heath Farm. Wrote to Mr Norris and Canon Payne asking what day would suit them for Trustees Meeting.

Preached at Brailes for Mr Smith this evening, he being in Oxford on a short holiday.

Horsman, mason commenced repairing my walls thrown down by frost. Cut down old apple tree in orchard which had forced down portion of wall of cottage garden. I had a pear tree planted in its stead.

Mr Kirkland walked to Stratford on Avon with Clarkson Smith and returned same evening.

Received note from Mr Payne about Trustees meeting but not fixing a day.

Mrs Norris called and spoke to me about Fardon’s daughter who is in a decline she says.

Evening Service in Church at 7.

Clarkson Smith and his sisters came to tea and supper.

Visited school morning and afternoon.

Walked to Swalcliffe. Called on Mr Norris and Canon Payne. Arranged for Trustees Meeting at 2 pm on Monday 24th inst.